catalogue

The Premonstratensian Monastery at Strahov is situated in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, near the Prague Castle, the seat of Czech kings. The monastery was established in 1143 by the Christian order of the Premonstrates. The original Romanesque buildings were reconstructed and extended several times over the centuries. Now, the large complex is a real architectural gem. It consists of the Baroque Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, the convent, the abbot’s residence, the summer refectory, the church of St. Roch, an art gallery, and a library. The monastery has always been a centre of spiritual life and education, and it’s library ranks among the oldest libraries with uninterrupted existence. It contained 140, 000 volumes in the 18th century already and it is still open to researchers. The oldest manuscript in its collection dates back to the year 860. The monastery also takes pride in its valuable gallery, which holds over a thousand pictures from the 14th to 19th centuries.

When the communist regime, which drove the monks away from the monastery in the 50s, ended in 1989, the monastery was returned to the Premonstratensian Order, which continues its endeavours by pursuing knowledge, art and service to God and the people.

This documentary offers splendid views of the precious places of the monastery, and is accompanied with concise narration.

The beautiful Summer Refectory, the mysterious Roman Halls and the lofty Baroque basilica, provided a glorious setting for the recordings of Dvořák, Smetana, Mozart and Händel (see Music on Location 6-10).